Chihuahua Lake

Distance: 8.5 miles round trip
Elevation: 10,460 ft - 12,282 ft
Elevation Gain: 1,822 ft
Dogs: Off leash
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Tags: #coloradooutdoors, #hiking, #mountainlake
Nearby hikes: Lenawee, Argentine Pass

The deep blue waters of Chihuahua Lake

Chihuahua Lake near Keystone, CO in Summit County is a large glacial tarn nestled at the base of Grizzly Peak. The trail to the lake is not for soft paws however, being very rocky and filled with deep water crossings even in late summer. Additionally, the last pitch to the lake is a steep rock scramble requiring both agility and perseverance. The reward for those strong enough is a stunning view of the back side of Grays and Torreys and a pristine lake filled with deep indigo waters.

Heading up the lower portion of the jeep road

Passing a large boulder field

The first 2.7 miles of the trail follows Forest Service Road 263 and you will not be alone on this segment. I was quite surprised at the number of vehicles that passed us both coming and going because this is a road only for the hardiest of drivers. Because of this traffic, the road is very rocky and rutted which makes for a jarring experience.

First stream crossing. This plank leads to a round log half way across. 

This road crosses Chihuahua Creek twice (at 1.2 and 2.0 miles) and in both cases, the water is deep, even in late summer. After seeing the extent of the beaver activity throughout the valley, I doubt the creek ever dries out. Water shoes and a pole are a must unless you don't mind wet feet. At the lower crossing, someone had tried to put a plank across to a large fallen log in an improvised bridge, but this structure will not survive next spring's run off. At the upper crossing, there were a few rocks that the more nimble were able to navigate. I found myself slipping off them into the water anyway.

Rutted section of the jeep road

In addition to these stream crossings, there are several places where the road itself is habitually flooded. Short social trails into the willows avoid the deepest areas but others require more slogging through bogs.

Gray and Torreys comes into view

At 2.7 miles the jeep road ends at a small parking area with a wooden fence and small sign pointing upwards. Technically, this is the start of the trail, but only true 4x4s can make it to this point. For the next half mile, the trail struggles relentlessly upwards on a steep and highly eroded path reminiscent of an approach to a 14er. This segment ends at a narrow tundra shelf surrounded on both sides by barren peaks.

Soggy section

Saddle between Grizzly  and Torres Peaks

The trail continues eastward along this shelf before turning sharply upwards on the last scramble to the lake. As you approach this area, it is difficult to tell where to leave the flat and head upwards. Several narrow, eroded drainages pour down the hillside and look like a trails. Fortunately, two people were ahead of us and we followed them to the far eastern side of the valley where the grade is less vertical. Careful scouting will reveal the route that is mostly over scree but occasionally dirt. The last 100 yards is very steep, often requiring the use of hands to pull oneself upwards. Anyone with moderate fitness can navigate this section without difficulty if they take care to keep from sliding down in the loose dirt.

Trail sign and wooden fence

Heading up rocky segment to final shelf

After the scramble, the trail continues upwards for another quarter mile before cresting on a high cliff overlooking the lake. A journey down to the water requires additional scrambling down a passable gully.

Looking back down the valley and beaver ponds below

Torreys and Grays are even closer now

Chihuahua Lake has been on my do list for a long time. I never seemed to be around at the end of the season when I had assumed the water crossings would be more manageable. Now I know that they will most likely always be there, so you just have to plan accordingly. The obstacles, while annoying, are not particularly difficult to surmount and the views of Grays and Torreys are something to behold. The saddle between Grizzly Peak and Torreys is so small and easily scaled that it makes you want to run up to the summit and down again in a fit of joy.

On the final pitch before the lake

Chihuahua Lake

To get to the trailhead, take exit 205 off of I-70 (Silverthorne/Dillon) and travel east on highway 6 toward Keystone. Just past Keystone, turn right onto Montezuma Road (County Road 5). Follow Montezuma Road for approximately 4.6 miles and turn left onto Peru Creek Road (FSR 260). Follow Peru Creek Road for approximately 2.1 miles and park along the side. The only marker that you have reached the parking area is a small brown sign on the road to the left with the number 261 on it. Other cars will be your biggest clue. Peru Creek road is passable with a passenger car to this point but can be rutted and full of washboards.

Wheeler Lakes

Distance: 6 miles round trip
Elevation: 9, 700 ft - 11,095 ft
Elevation Gain: 1, 486 ft (cumulative)
Date Hiked:19 July 2015
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Dogs: Off leash until the Wilderness Boundary
Tags: #coloradooutdoors #nature #lake #summitcounty #coppermountain

Second Wheeler Lake near Copper Mountain Colorado

Wheeler Lakes, near the Copper Mountain Ski Resort, are two shallow lakes nestled in a large meadow surrounded by towering Spruce and Fir trees. In summer the route is damp, muddy, and filled with wall-to-wall wildflowers. Occasional views of Copper Mountain and the western side of the Ten Mile Range add an additional flair.  The route follows the Gore Range Trail until a turn off to Wheeler Lakes.

Parking at exit 196

Start of the Gore Range Trail

There are three places to park near Wheeler Lakes, each resulting in a slightly different round trip distance. The official trailhead is located at a scenic overlook (exit 196) 0.8 miles west of Copper Mountain. The advantage of this location is plenty of parking. The downside is an extra slog along the less than scenic I-70. The second option is right at exit 195 (north side). There is room along the side of the road for 10 or so cars. Finally, you can always park in one of Copper's parking lots and cross I-70 over the bridge. On this trip I scored a spot right on the exit. Measured from my parking spot, the turn off to Wheeler Lakes was at 2.6 miles.

Sagebrush hillside filled with wildflowers

Looking down on the Copper Mountain ski resort

The first 0.5 miles of the route follows I-70 along a Sagebrush hillside dotted with drier climate wildflowers. Once the trail reaches the wilderness boundary at 1 mile, the trail becomes more shaded and damp. Rivulets may run down the trail until late in the season creating tiny bogs. Good water proof shoes will entice you to trod through the mud and not expand the trail to avoid it.

Heading away from the highway and into the trees

Lupine grace the forest floor

At 2.0 miles, the trail skirts the edge of a very large meadow. The ridge leading to Uneva Pass is visible in the distance. Hang out until September and you might glimpse Elk congregating for the annual rut. At 2.5 miles is a shelf with expansive views of the western side of the Ten Mile Range including the craggy peaks of Mayflower Gulch, one of the best destinations in the area.

Large meadow

View of the west side of the Ten Mile Range

Shortly past the plateau is the well marked turn off to Wheeler Lakes. The first lake, at 11,085 ft, will come into view almost immediately. It is surrounded by verdant marsh grasses and towering Fir trees. On this trip the water was still as glass and the only sound was the continuous chirping of forest birds. Due to the marshy ground, there are only a few place that you can approach the water and it may be best to continue on to the second lake, at 11,065 ft, which is 0.4 miles further on and off to the left.

Trail sign for the Wheeler Lakes turn off

First Wheeler Lake

A small, drier hillside dotted with Pine and carpeted with wildflowers borders the second lake on is northern side. You can explore the lake from either the southern or northern sides, but a large marsh to the west prevents a total circumnavigation.

Rosy pink paintbrush

View of Uneva Pass

Instead, climb the hillside (11,095 ft) and wander a short distance for unexpected views of Uneva Pass and Officers Gulch/I-70. On this trip, wildflowers graced every inch of the area. There are numerous rocky outcropping suitable for a private lunch.

Wildflower collage

Wheeler Lakes is one of the wetter destinations in the area even in the heat of summer. Despite this, parking along the exit can get crowded particularly at the peak of wildflower season. Continue 1.8miles further on the Gore Range Trail to Lost Lake for a longer hike.

Once last glimpse of the first lake

Sapphire Point

Distance: 0.7 mile loop
Elevation: 9,512-9,503 ft
Elevation Gain: 98 ft
Dogs: Off leash
Date Hiked: 14 July 2014

View of the Ten Mile Range from Sapphire Point

Sapphire Point is a short loop trail to an overlook gazing down on scenic Lake Dillion in Summit County Colorado. There are also picnic tables, but you need to be prepared to haul your load quite a ways to get to them.

The northern start of the loop is on the Swan Mountain bike path

The path is smooth

I decided to check out this trail as a potential place to take my parents. The route is both smooth enough and short enough to qualify as suitable for older folks. I was quite pleased with the views and might take people there just to get them oriented to the area.

Views of Grays (14,270 ft) and Torreys 14,267ft)

Picnic Area overlooking Buffalo Mountain

The overlook

Corral Creek Bushwhack Snowshoe

Distance:  5.6 miles available, we did a 2.2 mile bushwhack
Elevation: 10,662 ft-11,079 ft
Elevation Gain: 417 ft (net) 681 ft (cumulative)
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes, in the parking area
Dogs: Off leash
Date Snowshoed: 22 December, 2012

Playing in the Corral Creek Basin

Corral Creek Basin is located north of Vail Pass behind a small ridge that separates I-70 from the southern extent of the Gore Range. Snowshoeing this area is surprisingly quiet, serene, downright worthwhile. The downside is the trail is part of the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area and there is a $6 per person fee to use it.

The trailhead is visible from the road and contains a small sign.

The trip begins at the Vail Pass Rest Area. During the winter there is a Forest Service kiosk and a handful of rangers standing by to collect your fee. Parking is authorized only on the south side of I-70 in the large parking lot that is part of the rest area. 

The first 0.5 miles is in the trees.  There were at least two tracks in this area and folks tried to find their way.

The trail head and kiosk is across the highway and 10 yards up a snowy slope. Pray that someone has been there before you because the blue blazes that are supposed to mark the trail exist for only the first quarter of a mile or so and many of these are old, cracked, and barely visible. At one point we saw 4 blazes dangling from the same tree like Christmas ornaments. This route could use a little maintenance!

The junction between the east and west spurs.  The first people through just decided it was here.  There was no markers.

On the map, this trail is a 0.5 mile slog up the ridge that connects to a 2.3 mile long trail that traverses both east and west along the Corral Creek Basin. The trail extends roughly 1.1 miles to the west and heads uphill while the eastward extent heads 1.2 miles and down into the basin. Depending upon your energy level, you can do all or part of this route.

Heading through the pristine snow on the westward spur

On this, our first trip we decided to head westward and uphill for maximum cardio. The trail was well tracked and the views down the basin of the the Ten Mile Range were pleasant indeed. It was not long, however before the track we were following headed across the basin and up the side of the ridge to the north. We debated whether to follow this trail or to continue westward and start breaking trail.  Without blazes we really did not know which route to take. The map shows the trail eventually curving northward but exactly where was difficult to discern.

Looking back down the basin at the Ten Mile Range.  With open spaces like this, who needs a trail?

We decided to take the the well tracked path because it descended into a beautiful meadow and headed up the far hill where we knew there would be views to the south. This turn was definitely off route but was a fun bushwhack none-the-less. It was not until we were half-way up the far hill when we looked back and could see a flat shelf continuing westward from the spot we had turned off. The trail undoubtedly stays on this shelf and we eventually saw some snowshoers head that way. 

Our bushwhack as we turned off the main trail and headed across the meadow to the bald hill in the distance.  Our turn around point was half-way up that hill just below treeline.  It was quite steep.

Crossing Corral Creek

When we returned to the parking area, we also noticed a small, bare hill further west, which is undoubtedly the destination for the northern extent of the route we were on. Without blazes or a tracked trail, staying on route in winter can be tricky but that can also be part of the fun. Normally I would not blog such an experimental experience but this area was so pleasant that staying on route is not necessary that important. With open meadows beckoning I am usually tempted to frolic anyway. 

Looking back across the meadow

Corral Creek is a snowshoe worth doing and I will return to try and stay on route as well as take the eastward route.  I may not do it again this year because I hate paying fees when there are so many free trails in the Copper Mountain area. A perennial favorite in the same area is Mayflower Gulch.

Looking at the Ten Mile Range from our turn around point

Mt. Royal

Distance: 3.74 miles (saddle with large cairn), 4.2 miles (upper summit), 4.7 miles round trip (lower summit)
Elevation: 9,122 ft-10,502 ft (upper summit) - 10,385 ft (lower summit)
Elevation Gain: 1,380 ft (net), 1,652 ft (cumulative)
Date Hiked: 4 July 2011
Dogs: Off leash
Bathrooms at the trailhead: port-o-let

The view of Lake Dillon and the Continental Divide from the lower summit on Mt. Royal

Mt. Royal is a wickedly steep hike to a small "bump" on the far northern extent of the Tenmile Range. Further up the trail is Mt. Victoria and further still is the summit of Peak 1 the first real summit in the Tenmile Range. The views from this Bristlecone Pine encrusted promontory are what make it so popular with the locals. I did this hike on the 4th of July when most of locals should have been watching the parade in Frisco. Instead, many of them were on the trail with me. I suspect that even mid-week, this trail will be popular.

Crossing the Blue River right before the bike path

The bike path looks empty. There were in fact many cyclists enjoying the holiday.

The route up Mt. Royal begins at the 2nd Frisco (going west). There is a relatively large parking area just over the bridge but this lot also serves the Breckenridge to Vail bike path, so plan accordingly.

The trailhead

Typical early trail segment

The first part of the route is totally flat and along the bike path itself. The official trailhead for Mt. Royal, at 0.43 miles, is very obvious. It contains a kiosk and the trail itself is visible heading up the hillside.

Looking back on Frisco and Buffalo Mountain beyond

The hillsides surrounding the trail were clogged with what I believe is Red Elderberry. The sickly sweet smell from all the flowers was actually overpowering.

After one mile and a relatively gentle ascent, the route reaches Masontown, the site of an old mining town wiped out by an avalanche in 1926. This is a destination in itself for those who want a shorter outing. While nothing spectacular itself, the route, particularly in the fall, is very pretty.

Only a few junks of metal and wood mark the location of Masontown.

Mt. Guyot and Mt. Baldy from an upper trail viewpoint

Beyond Masontown, the route begins to climb steeply in a zigzag pattern with most of the zigs being straight up. By the time the trail reaches the beginning of the final zag at 1.72 miles, the hiker has gained an additional 728 ft in only 0.72 miles for a total elevation gain thus far of 1,092 ft. Most of this occurs in one very steep, 60° segment. This portion of the trail is so steep that I found it very difficult to find a pace I could keep without having to stop frequently to breath. Not only that, but I found myself grabbing onto small Aspen trunks along the way to steady myself and to keep myself from sliding backwards. This is like the first mile on the route to Mt. Sniktau. At least at least on that trail the views were stunning, so you wanted to stop and look about.  This route is in the trees so there is less of an incentive.

This upper trail segment is steeper than this picture makes out

The junction. Mt. Royal is to the right, Mt. Victoria is straight ahead.

At the top of this steep section, the trail splits with the route going up Mt. Victoria going straight ahead and the route going to Mt. Royal taking a sharp right. There is nothing to mark this junction but a small cairn in the dirt that would be hard to miss. It is better to just look for the split itself.

The saddle with its obvious cairn

When I reached this junction, I was walking with a local octogenarian who was easily beating me up the trail. He said the trail to Mt. Victoria was more of the same, a steep, slippery slope. Someone coming down mentioned there was still a lot of snow on the trail. This has been an amazing year for snowfall. Our hiking options thus far have been very limited.

The view looking west from the saddle. The gulch to the right is the route up North Tenmile Creek, which so far I have only done in winter.

Looking northwest along the ridge. The official summit is at the far point in the trees.

After the turn, the trail continues for only another 0.15 miles before reaching the saddle and the giant sized cairn that marks it. Many people stop there. On the far side of the cairn are nice views of I-70 and the cliffs surrounding it. To the east, one can see Grays and Torreys and bits of Lake Dillon. My new friend told that I should continue up the ridge to the official summit and then descend the other side and back up to a lower summit for the best views of the area. His advice was well worth taking.

The trunk of a dead Bristlecone, whose wood is very resistant to decay.

Another Bristlecone posing on the edge of the ridge

There are two trails that head up to the highest point. The left trail skirts the shear drop offs of the cliff face and wanders through a stand of twisted Bristlecone pines. The right hand trail is slightly further down the slope and by passes the summit. Take this trail on the way back.

Looking further west and mountains near Vail

The official summit is marked by the tall Fir tree more than the cairn, which is just barely visible in the shade.

The summit itself (at 2.09 miles) is just another small cairn hidden in the trees. Upon reaching it I had climbed 1,330 ft. The elevation in the map at the trailhead records this spot at 10,502 ft. I would not linger here too long although the view of Buffalo Mountain is nice from this vantage. Instead head down the hillside on the well worn trail. It descends a little over 200 ft to another saddle.

The start of the descent to the lower summit

Looking at I-70 from the saddle below the lower summit

At 2.32 miles is the lower summit, which is a large pile of rocks requiring judicious scrambling to reach the top. This is a little over 100 ft above the lower saddle. By the time I reached the top of the lower summit, I had climbed 1,435 ft. This rock pile is definitely worth the extra effort, and after that early 60° segment, seemed trivial.

Looking up at the lower summit

The lower summit

It did not take long to climb back up and over the summit and down to the first saddle. I lingered there while longer, sitting on a log with views of the precipice below. I was nervous about the decent figuring I would need to slide on my tail the entire way down. Fortunately, this was not necessary but I did find myself in a tight crouch with my feet in a sharp angle. Poles would be really handy here.

Looking at the upper summit from the lower with Mt. Victoria in the background

The view of Silverthorn from the lower summit. There were some large meadows on that hillside that I did not know existed.

Mt. Royal is a great training hike with some lovely views to reward the hiker. The day I did it, it was probably in the high 80°s even though I had started by 9am. I started sweating immediately and wished I had brought along more water and even a sport drink. The moral of the story is that this hike is harder than its distance and elevation gain would imply, so plan accordingly.